Children and families across East Sutherland have enjoyed a summer packed with sporting opportunities, thanks to funding support from the Scottish Government and sportscotland's Summer of Sport initiative.
A summer of skills, confidence and new friends
Designed to give children and young people more chances to get active, have fun and improve their physical wellbeing, the funding helped High Life Highland's Active Schools team deliver a varied programme of activities across the area. Young people stayed active, developed new skills, built confidence and made new friends during the school holidays.
Sports and games with Fèis Chataibh
Sports and games sessions were delivered in partnership with Fèis Chataibh and supported by Golspie High School Young Leader Fara Sutherland. These sessions gave participants extra opportunities to be active while attending the annual festival.
Highland Games fun in Rogart and Rosehall
A key aim of Summer of Sport funding was making sure opportunities reached rural communities. Family Highland Games in the Park sessions took place in both Rogart and Rosehall, giving participants of all ages the chance to try traditional events including caber tossing, hammer throwing and shot put, alongside team activities such as tug of war. Both events attracted strong attendance and encouraged families to take part in physical activity together.
Learning to surf at Dunnet Beach
Funding also supported a popular surfing trip to Dunnet Beach for 15 local school pupils. The cost of transport was covered through the Summer of Sport programme, allowing everyone to travel together on the Go Golspie minibus. Additional funding gave targeted groups a 50 per cent discount on lesson costs, helping to remove financial barriers and make the activity more accessible. Delivered by North Coast Watersports, the experience helped young people learn new skills, gain confidence in the water and enjoy a memorable day outdoors.
Inclusion at the heart of a para multi-sports event
The Summer of Sport fund also played a significant role in promoting inclusion through a para multi-sports and swimming event, delivered in partnership with Sutherland Swimming Pool. Led by Active Schools volunteers Lynsey Gilmour and Vickey Walker, the session attracted around 20 children and their siblings, and featured boccia, football, parachute games and archery. Participants also enjoyed swimming sessions using new floats and inflatables purchased through the funding.
Elissa Stevenson, High Life Highland Active Schools Coordinator for East Sutherland, said: "Summer of Sport funding made a real difference to what we were able to offer local children and families this year. It allowed us to deliver a wide range of activities across East Sutherland, support inclusive opportunities, reduce financial barriers to participation and provide experiences that many young people may not otherwise have been able to access.
"It was fantastic to see so many children and families taking part, learning new skills, being active and enjoying their summer holidays. We are extremely grateful for the support that helped make these opportunities possible."
Summer of Sport funding made a real difference to what we were able to offer local children and families this year.
High Life Highland Active Schools Coordinator for East Sutherland
Pool parties bring the summer to a close
The programme concluded with a series of free pool parties and family-friendly swimming sessions, again delivered in partnership with Sutherland Swimming Pool. Summer of Sport funding enabled the purchase of new floats and inflatables, creating more opportunities for families to come together, be active and have fun throughout the holidays.
The successful programme shows the difference targeted investment can make to physical activity, accessibility, and creating meaningful experiences for children and young people in rural communities.
Discover Summer of Sport
Find out how funding is helping young people across the Highlands get active.
